Chapter 20: Whereabouts of Kindness
“547 years ago?”
“Yes.”
I tilted my head in confusion as Ralph mentioned such a precise number. How did he know that?
Perhaps my expression showed my curiosity because Ralph looked at me, furrowed his eyebrows, and smiled in a troubled manner.
“Heroes have that kind of power, you know.”
“I see. . .”
I wondered what kind of power it was, but now was not the time to ask about it.
Although I didn’t doubt Ralph, if it was true, it seemed that much more time had passed than I had thought.
“Wow, heroes are amazing.”
Meanwhile, Saintess-sama strangely laughed.
“Anyway, I’ll look into the historical records from that time. If it really was a monster of the Demon Lord class, there should be some records.”
“Thank you, Saintess-sama.”
“No problem. I also have some things that I’m curious about, so I’ll call you again soon.”
“Yes, thank you.”
I wondered what it was that she was curious about. Although I was intrigued, I felt that it wasn’t the right time to ask, so I bowed my head.
“Beverly.”
“Yes, what is it?”
“Come again in two days.”
“Alright, understood.”
It seemed that Ralph also had something to discuss with Saintess-sama, and it seemed that it was not possible to talk about now. And so, we left the temple.
That monster of the Demon Lord class recognizes me as prey and marks me. Perhaps that’s why it seemed like the bear monster feared me when it attacked.
And why am I being targeted by such monsters? Who am I, who supposedly stole the power of the sanctuary? There were still many things I didn’t understand, and my mind only grew heavier.
As I was swayed by the carriage on the way back, I kept thinking about such things. Ralph took my hand and smiled.
“Lisette-sama, even if the opponent is a monster of the Demon Lord class, it’ll be alright. After all, I’ve defeated Demon Lords before.”
“. . .Thank you.”
──The reason I can remain so calm now is surely because Ralph is by my side. If I were alone, I would have been anxious and scared, unable to cope.
“Anyway, Lisette-sama, please don’t worry about anything and spend your time at ease. Let’s go to the town together again tomorrow. I found a shop that I think you’ll like, Lisette-sama.”
I’ll make you your favorite fish dish for dinner tonight too, Lisette-sama. As he said that and smiled, my vision blurred.
Why is Ralph so kind to me? Kindness seeped into my anxious heart, making me want to cry.
“Thank you so much. I’m glad Ralph is here.”
He seemed slightly surprised by my words, but eventually, he smiled gently and said, “It’s only natural.”
“I can protect Lisette-sama because I’m the only one who can.”
“Hehe, that’s right.”
“Promise me that you won’t leave my side. Promise.”
To those words, I nodded.
❂❂❂❂❂❂
A week later, I attended a tea party held in the Redford Marquis family’s garden.
“Onee-sama, would you like a refill of tea?”
“Thank you.”
Nadia, who sat next to me, had a beautiful smile and skillfully managed the atmosphere while taking care of me attentively.
“Nadia-sama, please have some as well.”
“Oh, thank you. I’ll have some.”
“Ah, thank you. . .!”
On the other hand, the young ladies who were invited as guests blushed at every move Nadia made and let out voices that sounded like screams.
Actually, I had consulted Nadia about these young ladies who admired her. She readily nodded and smiled, “I understand.”
“Let’s hold a tea party at our house and invite them.”
“Wow, that sounds wonderful. They’ll definitely be delighted.”
“In return, would you also join us, Onee-sama? I feel a little uneasy being alone~”
Nadia said that and looked up at me with puppy-like eyes.
Perhaps she didn’t have many same-age acquaintances because she wasn’t particularly good at socializing.
“Alright, I’ll study etiquette and everything before that.”
“Thank you. I’m really looking forward to it.”
And with such an exchange, we arrived at this point.
Being Invited to the tea party by their beloved Nadia, the young ladies who occasionally conversed with her seemed extremely delighted. Nadia also seemed to be enjoying herself, and I felt relieved inside.
The topics of conversation revolved around trendy cosmetics, dresses, recent gossip in high society, and stories about lovers and fiancés. They were very typical topics for a gathering of women.
Looking back, I hardly had any memories of enjoying conversations like these with women. I got carried away and ended up talking too much, and I suddenly realized it.
Then I noticed that Nadia, who was sitting next to me, was looking at me with a very gentle expression.
Even though we were of the same sex, I couldn’t help but feel a flutter in my heart.
“You’re so cute that I want to keep you hidden so that only I can see you.”
“You’re such a strange person, Nadia.”
“Hehe, I want to hear more stories from Lisette-sama.”
“I don’t have any interesting stories.”
“Even stories about Ralph Onii-sama?”
At that moment, the young ladies sitting across from us all said, “We really want to hear it.” “Please, tell us.” It seemed that they had been curious about us and had been waiting for the right moment.
“Ralph-sama is truly wonderful, isn’t he?”
“I felt my heart pounding when I heard that Lisette-sama is Ralph-sama’s special one.”
My face inexplicably grew warm at their words.
“After you two fell in love, I heard that you got engaged. Lisette-sama, what attracted you to Ralph-sama?”
Somehow, they had come up with such a setting without me realizing it. Anyway, I couldn’t deny it here since I was still pretending to be engaged.
What attracted me to him? As a temporary fiancée, I thought about an appropriate answer.
“. . .I like Ralph’s kindness.”
──I’m not particularly good at lying. But those words came out much more smoothly than I had expected.
Even I found it strange, and suddenly, there was a soft sound. When I turned around, Ralph himself was there.
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